Potomac Local News

CRRL Receives $6,000 Grant for Youth Summer Reading Prizes; Outreach Specialist Jenny McGee Named Staff Member of the Year

Published April 3, 2026 at 8:16AM

McGee

Central Rappahannock Regional Library has been awarded a $6,000 grant from The Robert Cullen O’Neill Memorial Fund of The Community Foundation to purchase book prizes for its popular youth Summer Reading program.

The grant will fund complimentary books for children and teens who reach the 1,000- and 2,000-minute reading milestones. In 2025, participants earned an impressive 2,167 books through the program. Library officials emphasized that the Summer Reading initiative was not dependent on this single gift; additional prize support comes from local businesses Habit Burger and Raising Cane’s.

Manassas

Manassas City Latest to School Report Enrollment Drop; Numbers Decline Across Northern Virginia

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 2, 2026 at 3:00PM

From Left to Right: Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, both Democrats, visit a classroom on Feb. 25, 2026. [Photo: Manassas City Public Schools Facebook]

Manassas City Public Schools has joined a growing list of Northern Virginia districts reporting modest but persistent enrollment declines, reflecting broader demographic shifts affecting public schools across the commonwealth.

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Fredericksburg

Repeat Sex Crime Suspect Arrested in Fredericksburg Trail Assaults After Prior Charges Dropped in Fairfax, Prince William

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 2, 2026 at 2:00PM

Dinh

The Fredericksburg Police Department announced the arrest of 23-year-old Hien Dinh of Stafford County in connection with three sexual battery incidents reported along the Canal Path and Heritage Trail in March 2026.

Dinh, who has faced multiple prior sexual assault and battery charges across Northern Virginia jurisdictions dating back to 2021, was taken into custody March 31 and is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Event

Free Concert! “A Celebration of Freedom”

May 2, 2026 7:30 pm -9:30 pm

First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City

14391 Minnieville Rd

Dale City, Virginia 22193

Website Contact Social

Join the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert to honor the 250th Anniversary of the USA! The music in this choral concert captures the heart and soul of the American spirit through patriotic tunes and songs from the heartland. Joining the chorus are dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts and accompaniment from the talented members of Legacy Brass.

This family friendly and FREE event is perfect for young and old. Kids, parents, and grandparents will be familiar with many of the songs in this inspirational program. There are two opportunities to attend: Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Prince William

$39 million at stake: County’s data centers may cause reduced state school funding

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 2, 2026 at 1:00PM

Chair DeShundra Jefferson at the April 22 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting.

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night, March 31, 2026, to send a joint opposition letter to Delegate Luke Torian and Senator Louise Lucas over a Senate budget proposal that would include the value of data center computer equipment and peripherals in the state’s Local Composite Index (LCI) formula.

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Features

Little Women Sisters Shine at Riverside Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 2, 2026 at 11:00AM

Audiences are stepping back in time with the March sisters in Little Women: The Broadway Musical at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, where four talented performers are bringing Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of family, ambition, and resilience to vivid life amid the backdrop of the Civil War era.

The production, running through Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Riverside Center in Fredericksburg, features Ashlee Beary (often credited as Ashley Berry in local coverage) as the fiery Jo March, Sarah Mae Andersen as the responsible Meg March, Ella Schnoor as the gentle Beth March, and Madison Cox as the artistic Amy March. In a recent Potomac Local Podcast interview, the quartet shared their excitement for the show, their personal connections to the material, and what makes this classic feel so fresh and relatable on stage.

Prince William

Haymarket Moves Toward Park Closing Hours, E-Bike Rules to Enhance Safety

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 2, 2026 at 8:50AM

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Features

Tulips, Theater & Easter Skating: April 3–5 Roundup

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 1, 2026 at 3:00PM

Spring is bursting with color and fun across Northern Virginia this weekend! From vibrant tulip fields to family skating parties and a clever twist on a classic tale, there’s something for everyone in our community and just a short drive away. Grab your calendar and get ready to celebrate the season with neighbors and friends.

For more details and to register or buy tickets, https://bloomiaflowers.ticketspice.com/tulip-festival

News

Fredericksburg City Council Reviews Proposed 8% Water and Sewer Rate Increases

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 1, 2026 at 1:00PM

Fredericksburg City Hall

Fredericksburg City Council discussed recommended 8% increases in both water and sewer rates for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 during a budget work session on March 31, 2026. The proposals aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the city’s utility funds.

PFM consultants, working with city staff, presented the rate study. The primary goals are to make the water and sewer funds self-supporting—covering operating expenses and capital needs without general-fund subsidies—and to maintain minimum cash reserves of about 150 days of operating expenses.

Features

From Elementary School Courts to National Title Game: Patriot High Trio Fuels Mary Washington’s Historic Run

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published April 1, 2026 at 11:00AM

Mens Basketball - Sweet Sixteen

The University of Mary Washington men’s basketball team is making history. For the first time in program history, the Eagles are heading to the NCAA Division III national championship, set for Sunday, April 5, in Indianapolis.

A big part of this story is the remarkable bond among three players: juniors Kaden Bates, Jay Randall, and freshman Ethan Kacou. All three share roots that trace back to Patriot High School in Bristow, Virginia. For Kaden and Jay, their connection goes even further—they’ve been playing basketball together since elementary school.